Chronicle is a science-fiction movie released in 2012, directed by Josh Trank. The film follows the story of three teenagers who obtain superpowers after coming into contact with a mysterious object. As they develop and learn to control their abilities, they are forced to confront the consequences of their actions and the potential dangers of their powers.
One of the primary themes of Chronicle is power and responsibility. The movie explores how the characters’ newfound powers change their relationships, their lives, and their perceptions of the world. It also examines the psychological effects of having superpowers, including the temptations of using them for personal gain and the risks of losing control.
People love Chronicle for its unique and refreshing take on the superhero genre. Unlike other superhero movies that focus on established characters and stories, Chronicle introduces new and original characters with complex and relatable motivations. The found-footage style of the movie also adds an immersive and realistic feel to the story, which further enhances the audience’s connection to the characters and their experiences.
The popularity of Chronicle can also be attributed to the rise of the found-footage genre in the early 2010s, with movies like Cloverfield and Paranormal Activity gaining mainstream success. Chronicle’s blend of the superhero and found-footage genres created a unique and captivating viewing experience that resonated with audiences.
Another interesting fact about Chronicle is that it was made on a relatively low budget of $12 million and went on to gross over $126 million worldwide. The movie also launched the careers of director Josh Trank and actor Dane DeHaan, who went on to star in major Hollywood productions. Additionally, there have been talks of a sequel or reboot, although nothing has been confirmed yet.
Here are nine movies that share similar themes or elements with Chronicle:
Push (2009) – Another science fiction movie about individuals with extraordinary abilities who must navigate a dangerous world while avoiding government agents who seek to control them.
Jumper (2008) – A movie about a young man with the ability to teleport who discovers that he’s not the only one with this power and must confront a group of dangerous people who hunt down jumpers.
Brightburn (2019) – A horror movie that explores the darker side of superpowers as a young boy with extraordinary abilities becomes corrupted and turns to evil.
Akira (1988) – A Japanese animated movie that follows a group of friends who gain powerful psychic abilities and become embroiled in a plot to control their powers.
Chronicle of a Blood Merchant (2015) – A Chinese drama movie that shares the title with Chronicle, but has a completely different plot. It’s a tale of a man who seeks to improve his family’s financial status by selling his blood in post-World War II Korea.
The Boys (TV series, 2019) – A TV series that subverts the superhero genre, exploring a world where superheroes are corrupt and controlled by a corporation. A group of vigilantes sets out to take down these corrupt superheroes.
I Am Number Four (2011) – A science fiction movie that follows a group of teenagers who are aliens with special powers who are being hunted by their enemies.
Project Power (2020) – A movie where a new drug is developed that gives people superpowers for five minutes, and the protagonists must navigate the consequences of its widespread use.
X-Men: First Class (2011) – A prequel to the X-Men series that follows the origins of the characters and explores themes of power, responsibility, and the dangers of using one’s abilities for personal gain.
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1. Push (2009)
Push is a science-fiction action-thriller movie released in 2009, directed by Paul McGuigan. The movie follows the story of Nick Gant (Chris Evans), a young man with telekinetic abilities who teams up with a group of people with extraordinary powers to take down a government agency known as the Division. The Division is trying to track down a mysterious girl with even greater powers, who is being pursued by a dangerous group called the Triads.
Similar to Chronicle, Push is a movie about individuals with extraordinary abilities who are hunted down by a powerful organization. It explores themes of power, control, and the risks of using one’s abilities for personal gain. The characters in Push also grapple with issues of trust, betrayal, and sacrifice as they work together to take down a common enemy.
2. Jumper (2008)
Jumper is a science-fiction action movie released in 2008, directed by Doug Liman. The movie follows the story of David Rice (Hayden Christensen), a young man with the ability to teleport. David discovers that he is not the only one with this power, and must confront a group of people called Paladins, who hunt down and kill jumpers.
Similar to Chronicle, Jumper is a movie about an individual with extraordinary abilities who must navigate a dangerous world while avoiding a group of people who seek to control them. It explores themes of power, responsibility, and the consequences of using one’s abilities for personal gain. The movie also features a unique and inventive take on the superhero genre, with the ability to teleport adding a new and exciting dimension to the action sequences.
3. Brightburn (2019)
Brightburn is a horror movie released in 2019, directed by David Yarovesky. The movie follows the story of Brandon Breyer (Jackson A. Dunn), a young boy who crash-landed on Earth as a baby and was raised by a couple in a rural town. However, as he grows older, Brandon begins to develop extraordinary powers and his true nature is revealed as he becomes a dangerous and violent force.
Similar to Chronicle, Brightburn explores the darker side of superpowers, showing the consequences of what can happen when someone with extraordinary abilities becomes corrupted. It also features a young protagonist who grapples with issues of power, control, and the psychological effects of having superhuman abilities.
In summary, Push, Jumper, and Brightburn share similar themes and elements with Chronicle, including the exploration of extraordinary abilities and their impact on the lives of those who possess them, the dangers of using those abilities for personal gain, and the risks of becoming corrupted by power.
4. Akira (1988)
Akira is a Japanese animated science-fiction film released in 1988, directed by Katsuhiro Otomo. The movie is set in a post-apocalyptic future where Tokyo has been destroyed and is being rebuilt as Neo-Tokyo. The story follows Kaneda, a young member of a biker gang who becomes embroiled in a plot involving a powerful psychic named Akira, who was responsible for the destruction of the city years earlier.
Similar to Chronicle, Akira explores the theme of power and the consequences of its misuse. The movie features a group of young people who are caught up in a plot involving a powerful psychic force, and who must come to terms with their own abilities and the dangers that come with them. The film also features stunning animation and a dark, gritty tone that makes it a classic of the cyberpunk genre.
5. Chronicle of a Blood Merchant (2015)
Chronicle of a Blood Merchant is a South Korean drama film released in 2015, directed by Ha Jung-woo. The movie follows the story of Heo Sam-gwan, a poor peddler who becomes wealthy overnight when he marries the daughter of a wealthy family. However, when he discovers that his wife is unable to bear children, he turns to black-market blood transfusions to conceive a son.
Similar to Chronicle, Chronicle of a Blood Merchant explores the theme of power and the lengths that individuals will go to achieve it. The movie features a protagonist who becomes wealthy through unexpected means, but who becomes obsessed with maintaining his power and status. The film also delves into themes of family, sacrifice, and the consequences of one’s actions.
6. The Boys (TV series, 2019)
The Boys is a superhero black comedy TV series released in 2019, developed by Eric Kripke. The show is set in a world where superheroes are real, but are corrupt and engage in dangerous behavior behind the scenes. The story follows a group of individuals known as “the Boys,” who seek to take down the superheroes and expose their true nature.
Similar to Chronicle, The Boys explores the theme of power and the dangers of its misuse. The show features a group of individuals who are fighting against a corrupt and powerful system, and who must navigate the consequences of their actions. The series also features a unique and subversive take on the superhero genre, with its dark humor and exploration of the darker side of superhuman abilities.
In summary, Akira, Chronicle of a Blood Merchant, and The Boys share similar themes with Chronicle, including the exploration of power and its consequences, and the dangers of becoming corrupted by power. Each work also features a group of individuals who must navigate a dangerous and corrupt system, and who must come to terms with the consequences of their actions.
7. I Am Number Four (2011)
I Am Number Four is a sci-fi action film released in 2011, directed by D.J. Caruso. The movie is based on the young adult novel of the same name by Pittacus Lore. The story follows John Smith, a teenage alien who is one of nine survivors from his planet, who have been hiding on Earth from a group of hostile alien beings. John possesses unique powers and abilities, which he must learn to control and use to protect himself and his friends from their enemies.
Similar to Chronicle, I Am Number Four explores the theme of power and the responsibility that comes with it. The film features a young protagonist who is coming to terms with their powers and abilities and the consequences of their actions. It also explores the theme of friendship, as John must work with a group of other teens to fight against their common enemy.
8. Project Power (2020)
Project Power is a sci-fi action film released in 2020, directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman. The movie is set in a world where a new drug has been invented that can grant superpowers to its users, but only for five minutes at a time. The story follows a former soldier, a teenage dealer, and a cop as they try to uncover the source of the drug and stop those who are using it for their own gain.
Similar to Chronicle, Project Power explores the theme of power and its consequences. The film features a group of individuals who are trying to navigate a world where power is being sold to the highest bidder. It also explores the theme of identity, as each character must come to terms with who they are and how their powers define them.
9. X-Men: First Class (2011)
X-Men: First Class is a superhero film released in 2011, directed by Matthew Vaughn. The movie is a prequel to the X-Men film series and is set in the 1960s, exploring the origins of the mutants who will eventually become the X-Men. The story follows Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr, who later becomes Magneto, as they team up to prevent a powerful mutant from starting World War III.
Similar to Chronicle, X-Men: First Class explores the theme of power and the responsibility that comes with it. The film features a group of young mutants who are learning to control their powers and the consequences of their actions. It also explores the theme of friendship, as Charles and Erik develop a close bond despite their different perspectives on the world.
In summary, I Am Number Four, Project Power, and X-Men: First Class share similar themes with Chronicle, including the exploration of power and its consequences, and the responsibility that comes with it. Each work features a group of individuals who must navigate a dangerous world, and who must come to terms with their own identity and the consequences of their actions.
Here’s a table with the IMDb ratings and Rotten Tomatoes scores for the movies and TV series:
Movie/TV Show | IMDb Rating | Rotten Tomatoes Score |
Push (2009) | 6.1/10 | 23% |
Jumper (2008) | 6.1/10 | 16% |
Brightburn (2019) | 6.1/10 | 57% |
Akira (1988) | 8.0/10 | 90% |
Chronicle of a Blood Merchant (2015) | 6.8/10 | N/A |
The Boys (TV series, 2019) | 8.7/10 | 97% |
I Am Number Four (2011) | 6.1/10 | 33% |
Project Power (2020) | 6.0/10 | 60% |
X-Men: First Class (2011) | 7.7/10 | 87% |